State officials are encouraging Michigan residents to prepare for severe weather.

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a voluntary statewide tornado drill will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 1 p.m.

In Dowagiac, outdoor warning sirens will sound for a full warning cycle lasting about five minutes. An all-clear signal will follow and will sound for approximately two minutes.

Officials say the drill is designed to help residents practice what to do during a tornado emergency.